Obesity among kids in Canada is rising at the alarming rate :


by: Prof. Barbara Olmstead, Professor of Physical and Health Education


It is common knowledge that our children are becoming obese in ever increasing numbers. Studies show that approximately 30% of children are overweight or obese and it has nothing to do with technology, or poor food choices. This epidemic, in addition to the alarming increase in obesity-related Type II diabetes, reflects our complacency in advocating healthy active living. We all have some responsibility to bear for this disgraceful situation.

Provincial government funding formulas for education do not include the placement of Physical Education Specialists in every elementary school across the province. The emphasis on literacy and mathematics and other academic skills has pushed Health and Physical Education programs into minor roles in school curricular programs. In fact, school boards are closing swimming pools and administrators and parent councils are now focusing on safe schools, as opposed to safe, healthy, active schools. The fact is that teachers often simply do not have the skills or the comfort level to implement effective fitness programs; and because parents are constantly time challenged, their children are not taking responsibility for their own personal health.

To quote the Ontario Curriculum Grades 1-8 Document (a Ministry of Education and Training Policy Document), “Daily vigorous physical activity must become part of each child’s routine and way of life.” The document goes further by specifying the number of minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity recommended for each grade level. It ranges from 5-10 minutes in grades 1 and 2 to a minimum of 15 minutes in grades 7 and 8. We all must ask ourselves if our children are meeting these minimum standards.

We cannot rely solely on the availability of the gymnasium during school hours. There are many active opportunities in other spaces within schools and out in the school yard. Even while students sit at desks, a physical break from the rigors of the new curriculum may include “seated aerobics”. Teachers can make use of open space in the school yard where “Jungle Gyms” once stood. Parents may park their vehicles several blocks from the school and accompany their children by foot. Principals can build a “Fit Break” into the school day. Many school gymnasiums are sitting idle in the evenings, and could be used for family based recreational activities not normally available within the community.

We need to examine our attitudes towards the importance of physical activity in our lives. We can no longer opt for more sedentary choices which seem to take priority. Only through attitude change will positive behaviours result. Ask yourself how you might become an advocate for change. What can you do to address the fact that 68% of schools in Ontario have no Physical Education teacher? Where can you find 10-15 minutes in your day to become active with your children or students? What can you do as an educator if the gym is not available? What can you do as an elected official to effect change within your school board? What can you do as an employer, an administrator, a parent, a teacher, or a student? What can we all do to become positive role models for our youth?

We all acknowledge the importance of physical activity and the associated benefits of healthy active children. There is no question that physically healthy children are better learners. Let’s work together to find creative solutions to the above questions. Perhaps more importantly, decide what you can do as an individual to impact your life positively and those around you. It all starts with a small step, which can eventually turn into a skip or a jog.

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"Change before you have to" : Jack Welch